Itz Holistically Wholesome

For a long time, I believed I was one of the calmest people I knew. I held myself to a certain standard, and on that list was this: don’t get angry, don’t get loud, and don’t act out of character. But as I grew older, I realized that staying calm isn’t automatic, it requires intentionality.

The last ten years of my life have tested that intentionality in ways I never expected. I’ve encountered people and situations that pushed the peaceful version of myself to the edge. And if I’m being honest, I’ve given in to anger more times than I can count.

Anger itself isn’t the enemy. It’s a natural emotion. The danger lies in what uncontrolled anger does to us spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Anger is described as a strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or hostility. Many violent acts in our world are rooted in anger: domestic violence, road rage, and even murder. And on a smaller scale, the scale most of us live on, anger makes us say and do things we would never do in a calm state.

Yet the Lord continues to call us to a higher standard of humility and self-control. He keeps placing the importance of being slow to anger before me. So here I am, a work in progress, choosing daily not to let people or circumstances push me into anger that leads to sin.

A few days ago, during my reading, I came across something that stopped me in my tracks. It said:

“When someone gets angry or anxious, their breathing becomes shallow and fast. This causes the oxygen in the body to decrease while carbon dioxide increases. The imbalance leads to irritability, impulsiveness, confusion, and poor decision-making.”
— Daniel G. Amen, MD, Conquering Worry and Anxiety

I have been angered to the point where I felt lightheaded or felt actual pressure in my heart region which made it difficult for me to breathe; so I know for a fact that this was not okay. This text reminded me that anger isn’t just a feeling, it’s a physiological event that disrupts the entire body.

What the Bible Says About Anger

• James 1:19 — Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.
• Proverbs 29:11 (NIV) — Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.
• Ephesians 4:26–27 (NIV) — “In your anger do not sin”… do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.
• Psalm 37:8 (NIV) — Refrain from anger… it leads only to evil.

Scripture doesn’t deny that anger happens, it teaches us how to handle it.

How Anger Affects Our Health

Here are some of the ways uncontrolled anger impacts the body:

1. Disrupted Breathing

Anger triggers shallow, rapid breathing, reducing oxygen and increasing carbon dioxide. This imbalance fuels irritability, impulsiveness, and poor judgment.

2. Increased Blood Pressure

Anger activates the body’s stress response, causing blood vessels to constrict and the heart to work harder. Over time, this can contribute to hypertension.

3. Elevated Stress Hormones

The body releases adrenaline and cortisol during anger. Chronic elevation of these hormones can weaken the immune system, disrupt sleep, and increase inflammation.

4. Heart Strain

Episodes of intense anger can temporarily increase the risk of heart-related events because of the sudden spike in heart rate and blood pressure.

5. Digestive Disruption

Anger shifts the body into “fight or flight,” slowing digestion and causing discomfort, nausea, or stomach upset.

6. Impaired Decision-Making

Reduced oxygen and heightened stress hormones cloud judgment, making it harder to think clearly or respond wisely.

7. Emotional Exhaustion

Anger drains mental and emotional energy, leaving the body fatigued and the mind overwhelmed.

Closing Thought

Anger is real, and it’s human but it doesn’t have to rule us. God calls us to a slower, wiser, more intentional response. I’m learning, day by day, to pause, breathe, and choose peace over reaction. And if you’re on that journey too, you’re not alone. We grow through awareness, honesty, and grace.

Join us next week on Be Well Wednesday where we will explore breathing Techniques that can help us to calm down fast.

Be well and be blessed.

With love and purpose,
Tomika Chance
Itz Holistically Wholesome